Thousands of children set to benefit from Dogs Trust welfare worskhops

With schools set to return this week after the summer holidays, Dogs Trust is promoting its education programme; and is encouraging schools to take advantage of beneficial dog safety and responsible dog ownership lessons for their students.

Their free dog welfare workshops, delivered as part of the Charity’s ‘Be Dog Smart’ campaign, enhance the National Curriculum and seek to provide children between the ages of 7-11 with the knowledge and understanding they need to act responsibly and safely around dogs in their homes and those they may see out and about.

Each workshop benefits pupils by involving a pretend dog as its focus, with the aim of developing compassion and consideration for all living beings.

This year they are on track to improve on this number yet again. With the growing success of the ‘Be Dog Smart’ campaign, Dogs Trust now employs 27 education and community officers across the UK to provide workshops in their designated regions.

Melanie Tomkins, Education and Community Officer for Dogs Trust in Greater Manchester, said, “Through debate and discussion, our responsible dog ownership workshops encourage learners to embody important values around dog ownership such choosing the right breed or type of dog for your life style, as well as understanding that dogs are a lifelong commitment and not a disposable commodity”

“I would welcome the opportunity to work with schools in the area and encourage them to get in touch, as pupils really do get a lot out of the workshops; as do their dogs."

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